Following frostbite incidents, Yukon Arctic Ultra not making changes to next year's race

Yukon Arctic Ultra organizers will not be making major changes to next year's race, despite two of this year's racers suffering severe frostbite leading to amputations.

• Yukon Arctic Ultra racer may lose hands, feet to frostbite
• Another Yukon Arctic Ultra racer faces amputations due to frostbite

Italian runner Roberto Zandarecentlyposted on social media showing both his legs amputated at the shin. His right hand was also amputated, and most of the left.

British racer Nick Griffiths lost three toes to frostbite due to the extreme cold during the race.

"What happened to Roberto had nothing to do with what we could or should have done differently," said RobertPollhammer, the race organizer.

The annual race held every February describes itself as the "world's coldest and toughest ultra." Racers can choose to trek 160 or 480 kilometres in the Yukon backcountry.

• 'Can we have them?' Amputee donates frozen digits to Yukon bar for 'Sourtoe Cocktail'

As first reported by CBC, Zanda spent 18 hours wandering around in 40 C conditions with no shoes or gloves after becoming hypothermic six days into the nine-day race.

"The only thing that could make this race 100 per cent safe is if we basically walked behind the people, and nobody wants that," said Pollhammer.

"I can't really stop the race every time it gets down to 40 because then we wouldn't have much of an event in a cold year."

This year'srace was halted for a short timeafter temperatures reached close to 50.

New rule: phone interviews

Pollhammerhas changed one rule of the race, though.He is doingphone interviews with every racer that registers. He said that's to ensure theydirectly hear from him about therisks of competing, such ashypothermia, frostbite and even death.The phone interviewswill also confirm that all the participants can speak English.

The races rules requirethat all athletescan speak English in order to understand information, waivers, and instructions on the trail.

Zandadoes not speak English.

• Extreme cold, frostbite and hypothermia force halt to Yukon Arctic Ultra race

Before the race,Pollhammer said he was in contact with Zanda over emailin English. Pollhammer said he later found out that Zandahad help writing those emails and failed to learn sufficient Englishbefore arriving for the race.

Zanda brought an Italian camera crew to the race with him, according to Pollhammer. One of those team members acted as a translator between Pollhammer and Zanda. Pollhammer said a member of his organizing team also spoke Italian and acted as a translator on the trail.

"There was no problem in Roberto not getting or not understanding the instructions that he was given," said Pollhammer.

Possible lawsuit

In a recentinterview with the National Post, Zanda's wife, Jo Caria, said she is considering possible legal action against the race.

• Yukon Arctic Ultra race continues, despite -40 C weather

"It would be hard for her to file a lawsuit on behalf of her husband unless we can prove that the husband is incapable and doesn't have a legal capacity to file a lawsuit," said Marianne Saroli, a lawyer and sports law specialist.

ZandatoldCBCin February that he did not regret running the race.

Pollhammer said he's not concerned about a lawsuit because he's confident that his team took all appropriate measures, and the rescue of Zanda was executed properly.

"Obviously, after the race I thought about not doing the race anymore thinking maybe this is not worth it," said Pollhammer.

However, he says many people reached out in support of the race encouraging him to continue despite this year's difficulties.

"That's why I still do it," said Pollhammer.

There are 36 people already signed up for next year's race starting on Feb.3, 2019.